Every year in Canada, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important component of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Clearly, the right approach to avoiding forklift accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This particular system is very vital for helping decrease the chance of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can detect many factors which may cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery requires to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense many factors that lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.